Inspector General says Grand Isle Harbor Police an illegal agency

Volunteer department has been shut down since last month

Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 12:34 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 12:34 p.m.

GRAND ISLE -- A scathing Louisiana Inspector General's report alleges that a volunteer police department organized by the Grand Isle Port Commission was illegal in its conception and operation.

As the investigation continues the Grand Isle Port Commission's Harbor Police Department remains shut down and non-operational, according to its chief, Wayne Keller.

The report alleges that volunteers never authorized as police officers boarded recreational vessels and that no insurance policy was ever taken out for the department.

It was never properly organized or authorized under the steps mapped out by state law, the report alleges. Keller has countered that state law appeared to allow organization of the department solely on authority of the Grand Isle Port Commission, for which Keller is executive director.

An Attorney General's opinion on that question has been requested but not yet issued.

Two members of the department have criminal histories, according to the report. Keller has countered that those alleged histories did not involve convictions, and so should not have been mentioned.

<p>GRAND ISLE -- A scathing Louisiana Inspector General's report alleges that a volunteer police department organized by the Grand Isle Port Commission was illegal in its conception and operation.</p><p>As the investigation continues the Grand Isle Port Commission's Harbor Police Department remains shut down and non-operational, according to its chief, Wayne Keller.</p><p>The report alleges that volunteers never authorized as police officers boarded recreational vessels and that no insurance policy was ever taken out for the department. </p><p>It was never properly organized or authorized under the steps mapped out by state law, the report alleges. Keller has countered that state law appeared to allow organization of the department solely on authority of the Grand Isle Port Commission, for which Keller is executive director.</p><p>An Attorney General's opinion on that question has been requested but not yet issued.</p><p>Two members of the department have criminal histories, according to the report. Keller has countered that those alleged histories did not involve convictions, and so should not have been mentioned.</p>